Hon. Tim Nicholls, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and Mr Matthew Cooke, outgoing QAIHC Chairman. Photograph: QAIHC
The QAIHC Statewide Members Conference 2025 was filled with bold ideas, engaging discussions, and a shared commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland.
Held from 3-4 June 2025 at the Pullman King George Square in Meanjin/Brisbane, the conference’s theme Real in Queensland focused on real reform, real investment and real outcomes.
Day 1 (3 June 2025)
The conference was officially opened with a Welcome to Country from Aaron Ruska of Tribal Experiences. In response, QAIHC’s special guests from Aotearoa, Aunty Janice Kuka and Rāwiri Crawford (Ngā Mataapuna Oranga), and Graham Bidois Cameron (Health New Zealand) conducted a mihimihi, or introductory speech, in Māori.
Outgoing Chairman Matthew Cooke welcomed delegates to the conference and reflected on his tenure, calling for unity, vigilance, and bold leadership in the face of political and institutional challenges.
He called on the sector to stay united and strategic, regardless of changes in government.
“It is real, not only that the reforms are needed, but real that — no matter what side of politics is in power — we remain strong as First Nations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The keynote address was presented by the Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, who affirmed the Queensland Government’s commitment to meaningful and respectful partnerships with the sector.
Selwyn Button (Productivity Commission) spoke candidly about achieving Close the Gap outcomes by 2031, while Flora Warrior and Dr Abbe Anderson (Cape and Torres Health Commissioning Ltd) highlighted the importance of community-controlled health commissioning in remote communities.
Panel discussions on the day included How do we achieve the Close the Gap outcomes and targets by 2031? and Navigating a changing political landscape and Community-controlled healthcare commissioning. Thanks to panellists Bruce Gibson (Hope Vale Shire Council), Lizzie Adams (Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd) and David Harmer (QAIHC), Dr David Rosengren (Queensland Health), Matthew Cooke (Central Qld Health), Renee Williams (Torres Health), Wayne Ah Boo (IUIH), Janice Kuka, Rāwiri Crawford, Rachel Atkinson (PICC), and Andrew Malcolm (Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation).
Master of Ceremonies Dan Bourchier kept the proceedings on track with humour and grace, guiding guests through a day of meaningful conversations and cultural celebration.
Attendees were also able to personally contribute to a special custom conference artwork, led by Indigenous artists Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton.
Day 2 (4 June 2025)
Day 2’s conference sessions explored the role of First Nations data and culture in care systems.
Graham Bidois Cameron, A/Prof Lisa Whop and Dr Louise Mitchell (Australian National University), Simon Costello (VACCHO) and Scott Brown (QAIHC) provided insights on data use and sovereignty.
QAIHC Acting Deputy CEO David Harmer discussed the outcomes of the Regional Engagement Roadshow, while Natalie Wilde (Department of WATSIPM) provided an update on departmental commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In the afternoon, Lizzie and Trent Adams (Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd) as well as Joy Savage (Wuchopperen Health Service) shared reflections on how Blak Excellence and cultural brilliance shape the way we deliver health.
Panel discussions on the day included QAIHC’s data and investment priorities, Driving change — Departmental commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Celebrating Indigenous culture.
Thanks to panellists: Dorothy Smith (incoming QAIHC Chairperson), Rāwiri Crawford, Daniel Rosendale, Ailsa Lively (Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation), Haylene Grogan (First Nations Health Office), Kieran Chilcott (Kalwun Development Corporation) and Suzanne Andrews (Gurriny Yealamucka) for their contributions throughout the day.
The event closed with many attendees heading off for the QAIHC Awards Night.
